Multi-Projector Alignment via Color-Tone Pattern Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image projection systems face difficulties in aligning projected images from multiple projectors onto irregular surfaces, as patterns used for alignment can be distorted, making recognition and adjustment challenging.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple projectors with lens shift functions and an imaging device to project patterns of different color tones, capturing a composite image to determine overlapping areas, and adjusts the position of projectors using lens shift to ensure proper alignment, regardless of the surface irregularities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cross-shaped collation patterns are projected for alignment, then position adjustment can be performed, but the pattern cannot be recognized and adjustment becomes difficult due to surface irregularities causing distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color tone differences between overlapping and non-overlapping pattern regions to enable reliable detection. By assigning different color tones to patterns from different projectors, the imaging device can distinguish overlapping areas through color analysis, making pattern recognition reliable even when surface irregularities cause geometric distortion of the patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/visual pattern recognition with automated image processing and color analysis. Instead of relying on human visual inspection of distorted geometric patterns, the system uses the imaging device to capture patterns and automatically analyzes color tone distributions to determine overlapping areas, substituting manual alignment operations with automated computational methods
2Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment adjustment is performed on irregular surfaces, then position correction can be attempted, but the process becomes time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting pattern positions and calculating required adjustments without human intervention. The imaging device captures the projected patterns, the control device analyzes the captured images to determine misalignment, and the system automatically issues adjustment instructions to projectors, enabling the system to align itself without requiring manual operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the imaging device continuously monitors the projected patterns, the control device processes the captured images to determine alignment status, and adjustment instructions are issued based on the analysis results. This closed-loop feedback system automatically corrects alignment errors and verifies the correction, achieving precise alignment efficiently
3Illumination intensity
If multiple projectors are used for stack projection or multi-screen projection, then brighter or larger images can be obtained, but alignment of projected images becomes necessary and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a universal alignment method that works for both stack projection and multi-screen projection configurations. The same pattern projection and color analysis technique applies regardless of whether projectors are stacked vertically or arranged in a multi-screen layout, providing a unified solution that reduces system complexity across different projection modes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment pattern as a mediator between multiple projectors. Instead of directly aligning complex full-resolution images, the system projects simplified collation patterns that serve as intermediaries for alignment detection. These patterns are easier to detect and analyze, reducing the complexity of the alignment process while enabling precise positioning of the actual projected images
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling an image projection system that includes a plurality of projectors including a first projector and a second projector having a lens shift function, and that includes an imaging device, includes: projecting, by the first projector, a first pattern having a first color tone; projecting, by the second projector, a second pattern having a second color tone; generating, by the imaging device, a captured image obtained by capturing a composite image including the first and second pattern; determining, by the first projector, whether an area of an overlapping portion of the second pattern in the captured image is equal to or larger than a predetermined ratio; and causing, by the first projector, the second projector to perform lens shift by the lens shift function of the second projector such that the second pattern overlaps the first pattern, when the area is less than the predetermined ratio.